Ryder Architecture specified Kawneer aluminium products for use in a Cornish mental health services unit for under 18s. Sowenna CAMHS, a £5m purpose-built project, demanded products that could provide a high level of thermal performance, whilst also enhancing the building’s light.
The building features Wansbeck Secure windows, Wear Secure windows and Humber Secure windows. The Humber Secure windows were developed in partnership with Humber NHS Foundation Trust. The product is a low-to-medium-secure window with an external sliding sash, operated by a reduced ligature rotating handle. Wansbeck Secure windows are designed for low-secure facilities and feature an internal sliding sash. Wear Secure windows are an adaptation of the Wansbeck but with a secure mesh, to guard the restricted open area.
Alongside the bespoke window designs, Kawneer’s AA100 zone-drained curtain wall system helped to create a dynamic and active façade. The product promotes high levels of natural light to illuminate the main entrance.
Kawneer’s AA541 top-hung casement windows feature in the cafe area and offices spaces. Its AA3720 folding/sliding doors have been used in the courtyard areas.
The Sowenna CAMHS project was designed by Ryder Architecture and constructed by main contractor Tilbury Douglas on the site of the former Bodmin Community Hospital. The facility provides inpatient mental health and psychiatric intensive care for children and young people aged between 13 and 18.
Victor Muniz, architectural director at Ryder, said: “We have used Polar windows in several projects already. Their products meet all current standards in terms of anti-ligature specification, robustness, good design and competitive costing.”
He added: “We were looking for lots of natural light inside the building, so the glazed elements played a very important role on this project. We were also aiming for BREEAM ‘Excellent’, which was finally achieved.
“The secure windows and curtain walling have a similar aesthetic to the standard components, and help to ensure the safety and security of the external envelope for service users, staff and visitors. Our understanding is the trust is quite happy with the building.”
